The Paris prosecutor's office has launched an investigation targeting five infant formula manufacturers, including Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis, following massive recalls linked to the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin dangerous to human health. The brands Babybio and La Marque en Moins are also implicated. The investigation, opened on the grounds of "deception regarding a product posing a danger to human health," follows numerous complaints and could result in criminal penalties of up to seven years in prison and fines of up to €3.75 million.

The recall began in December after cereulide was detected in products manufactured by Nestlé in the Netherlands. The source of the contamination was traced back to a supplier of arachidonic acid (ARA) oil. More than 60 countries are now affected by these recalls, which also involve brands owned by Danone and Lactalis. The French Ministry of Health is simultaneously investigating three infant deaths, although no connection has been established at this stage. In the meantime, European authorities have set a safety threshold for cereulide, which had previously not been regulated.